BOOC: Authors

Genres: Humor, Mystery

Areas of Expertise: Humor, Mystery, Characters, Plot, Getting Published

Bio: Leslie O'Kane is the author of 14 published mysteries. She currently writes as Leslie Caine for Bantam. Her humorous series features dueling interior designers as sleuths and is set in a Colorado town that's eerily similar to Boulder, where she resides.

Genres: Parenting

Areas of Expertise: Empty Nest

Bio: Patricia Olson interviewed over 100 parents, professionals and teens to publish her book, "And Suddenly They're Gone: What Parents Need to Know About the Empty Nest," which gives insight into the parents' role in letting go and many other issues.

Genres: Fiction, Essays, Humor, Inspirational, Plays/Drama, Spirituality

Areas of Expertise: Creative Writing Workshops for Teens and Adults; Writing as a Spiritual Practice, Gay Humor

Bio: Ellen Orleans, M.F.A. has published five books of humor and social commentary, including The Butches of Madison County, and a play, "God, Guilt and Gefilte Fish." She currently writes about spirituality, political disarray, and the lure of the outdoors. Ellen teaches creative writing throughout Boulder County.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade/YA Fiction

Areas of Expertise: School Visits and Speaking on Writing and Colorado History Topics

Bio: Award winning author of Colorado based historical fiction for young people. “Nothing Here But Stones” is based on the Jewish colony of Cotopaxi in 1882. The newest release, “Hard Face Moon,” is about the events surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre, 1864. Imagination and real events combine to connect readers to their past.

Genres: Christian, Poetry, Travel, Spirituality

Areas of Expertise: Writing (Esp. Poetry and Journaling); Spirituality; Travel (Esp. Colorado)

Bio: Jennifer Otey graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in English. She has also studied theology and Colorado history. In addition to one published work, Jennifer is also currently writing a travel essay about the Catholic churches of Colorado.